All eyes will be on paceman Mitchell Starc when Australia train in Abu Dhabi ahead of the series-deciding second Test against Pakistan.
Australia’s selectors face a dilemma for the second Test against Pakistan as they weigh up whether to rest pace spearhead Mitchell Starc.
The decision on whether to play Starc in Abu Dhabi looms as the only major selection headache for the series-decider starting on Tuesday.
Australia will train on Sunday with Starc and Peter Siddle set to be put through their paces along with back-up quicks Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett.
Starc struggled to make an impact on a flat deck in Dubai, grinding in hot conditions to take 1-90 in the first innings and bowling just six overs in the second for figures of 0-18.
The left-armer was unable to replicate the reverse swing generated by Pakistan paceman Mohammad Abbas who claimed seven wickets for the match.
Australia’s determination to win a Test series in Asia for the first time since 2011 is likely to swing selectors towards backing in Starc.
But they will also be wary of preserving the gun quick, who has been named in the squad for three T20s against Pakistan later this month before Tests against India in the home summer and next year’s World Cup and Ashes tour.
“It’s a good question. It’s always managing those quicks,” coach Justin Langer said.
“Starcy bowled a lot of overs first innings, we certainly understand that and it’s always the million dollar question: what do we do with the fast bowlers?
“Because if we’ve got our fast bowlers, particularly in Australia or going forward to England next year … the top three is incredibly important to Australia being successful.
“We’ll manage it. It’s the start of the season and hopefully we’ll manage them well throughout the summer and this tour so far.”
Australia’s stunning day five fightback to secure a draw in Dubai has increased the likelihood that the same XI will be retained in Abu Dhabi.
Marnus Labuschagne failed with the bat in his maiden Test but is almost certain to get another chance after taking wickets with his part-time legspin and impressing in the field.
Fellow debutants Aaron Finch and Travis Head both made crucial knocks to ensure they will keep their spots.
Jon Holland also delivered an improved performance in the second innings and is likely to again edge out fellow left-arm spinner Ashton Agar.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Not too bad but why drop Holland? He didn't bowl badly. Agree with you on Starc.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
No problems with playing him in the upcoming test. Rest him for ther T20s. Easy.
john goerge
Guest
The XI for the 2nd test should be Finch Uzzy S Marsh Renshaw Head M Marsh (sigh) Paine Agar Siddle Starc Lyon After this test, fly Starc home and let him rest before the India test series. We will need our full pace attack flying vs India.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
“Marnus Labuschagne failed with the bat in his maiden Test but is almost certain to get another chance after taking wickets with his part-time legspin and impressing in the field.“ Are they serious? 90% of the criteria for top 6 batsmen should be batting ability. Labuschagne can’t seriously be picked ahead of Renshaw. But no problem if he comes in ahead of Mitch Marsh.
Paul
Roar Guru
"The decision on whether to play Starc in Abu Dhabi looms as the only major selection headache for the series-decider ". The author of this piece must be related to the Marsh family. I can't see why either would play the next Test. I've suggested several times Renshaw could come in for Shaun at 3 while MM drops out for Agar who can bowl long spells, keep things tight and make runs Starc playing is a certainty. He and Lyons are are the two world class bowlers in this side and just seeing him at the top of hos mark raises uncertainty in batsmen's minds. Sure he didn't take a lot of wickets first Test but Abbas would have done no better if Pakistan had bolwed forst. You could see their batsmen sitting on him, not really trying to score and simply waiting out his 4 or 5 over spell
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
He plays, he's your strike bowler coming back from a layoff. On these decks he grinds 4th stump and gets the experience he needs for the next time he goes there fully fit, just as every spearhead has ever done. Rest him and the Pak top order grow 2 feet taller. He's a threat, but needs the learning curve of bowling differently on those decks, which will hold him in good stead on similar tracks when they arise in future. There's too much of this; he can't be picked to bat or bowl in certain conditions. If the player is a must have then the coach manages his expectations in different situations and you have a better player at the end. If he's injured leave him out, if he's not give him the same chances Lyon got to play when conditions weren't conducive.